Arizona drought conditions
77.2% of Arizona is in drought on the Drought Monitor map of Sep 15, 2026, unchanged from the week before. The worst is extreme drought, across 1.9% of the state. 13 of 15 counties have some drought.
Map valid Sep 15, 2026, released Thursday, Sep 17, 2026. The next map is due Thursday, Sep 24, 2026.
- In drought
- 77.2%
- Worst category
- D3 Extreme drought
- Abnormally dry or worse
- 93.1%
- Counties with drought
- 13 of 15
This week’s map
The Drought Monitor for Arizona, valid Sep 15, 2026. County lines are drawn in; the categories are the same as the national map.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Open the live map with the Drought Monitor
Map courtesy of the US Drought Monitor, NDMC-UNL, with USDA and NOAA. Original at droughtmonitor.unl.edu
This week's map, by category
Percent of Arizona in each category or worse, the Drought Monitor's own way of counting. In exactly one category this week: D0 16%, D1 41.5%, D2 33.8%, D3 1.9%, D4 0%; none 6.9%.
| Category | This weekSep 15 | Last weekSep 8 | 3 months agoJun 16 | A year agoSep 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D0 to D4 Abnormally dry or worse | 93.1% | 93.1% | 96.5% | 100% |
| D1 to D4 Moderate or worse | 77.2% | 77.2% | 89.3% | 100% |
| D2 to D4 Severe or worse | 35.7% | 33.6% | 62.5% | 91% |
| D3 to D4 Extreme or worse | 1.9% | <0.1% | 1.3% | 34.2% |
| D4 Exceptional drought | 0% | 0% | 0% | 1.8% |
| None | 6.9% | 6.9% | 3.5% | 0% |
The past year
Percent of Arizona in each category, week by week. Each color includes the worse categories drawn over it.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Every week in the chart
| Map | D0+ | D1+ | D2+ | D3+ | D4+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 15, 2026 | 93.1% | 77.2% | 35.7% | 1.9% | 0% |
| Sep 8, 2026 | 93.1% | 77.2% | 33.6% | <0.1% | 0% |
| Sep 1, 2026 | 93.1% | 77.2% | 33.6% | <0.1% | 0% |
| Aug 25, 2026 | 93.1% | 77.2% | 33.6% | <0.1% | 0% |
| Aug 18, 2026 | 94.4% | 89.3% | 44.6% | <0.1% | 0% |
| Aug 11, 2026 | 94.4% | 89.3% | 47.6% | <0.1% | 0% |
| Aug 4, 2026 | 94.4% | 89.3% | 47.6% | <0.1% | 0% |
| Jul 28, 2026 | 94.4% | 89.8% | 48.7% | 1.5% | 0% |
| Jul 21, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.5% | 1.5% | 0% |
| Jul 14, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.5% | 1.5% | 0% |
| Jul 7, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.5% | 1.5% | 0% |
| Jun 30, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.5% | 1.5% | 0% |
| Jun 23, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.5% | 1.3% | 0% |
| Jun 16, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.5% | 1.3% | 0% |
| Jun 9, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.5% | 2.1% | 0% |
| Jun 2, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.5% | 2.1% | 0% |
| May 26, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.3% | 2.1% | 0% |
| May 19, 2026 | 96.5% | 89.3% | 62.3% | 2.1% | 0% |
| May 12, 2026 | 96.5% | 86.9% | 48.9% | 0% | 0% |
| May 5, 2026 | 97.2% | 87.4% | 50.4% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 28, 2026 | 97.2% | 85.6% | 25% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 21, 2026 | 97.2% | 85.6% | 25% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 14, 2026 | 97.2% | 75.7% | 20.1% | 0% | 0% |
| Apr 7, 2026 | 97.2% | 71.7% | 13.5% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 31, 2026 | 97.2% | 71.5% | 13.5% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 24, 2026 | 95.6% | 47.6% | 13.5% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 17, 2026 | 89.1% | 46.4% | 6.6% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 10, 2026 | 68% | 34.4% | 6.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Mar 3, 2026 | 68% | 34.4% | 6.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 24, 2026 | 68% | 34.4% | 6.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 17, 2026 | 68% | 34.4% | 6.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 10, 2026 | 68% | 34.4% | 6.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Feb 3, 2026 | 68% | 34.4% | 6.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 27, 2026 | 68% | 34.4% | 6.2% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 20, 2026 | 71% | 37.6% | 6.6% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 13, 2026 | 70.9% | 37.6% | 6.6% | 0% | 0% |
| Jan 6, 2026 | 72.1% | 47.7% | 13.8% | 1% | 0% |
| Dec 30, 2025 | 89.5% | 68.9% | 28.7% | 1% | 0% |
| Dec 23, 2025 | 89.5% | 70.1% | 29% | 1% | 0% |
| Dec 16, 2025 | 89.5% | 70.1% | 29% | 1% | 0% |
| Dec 9, 2025 | 89.5% | 70.1% | 29% | 1% | 0% |
| Dec 2, 2025 | 91.8% | 74.9% | 29% | 1% | 0% |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 91.8% | 76.5% | 29% | 1% | 0% |
| Nov 18, 2025 | 99.3% | 92.6% | 66.8% | 7.7% | 0% |
| Nov 11, 2025 | 99.3% | 94.1% | 66.8% | 10.4% | 0% |
| Nov 4, 2025 | 99.3% | 94.1% | 66.8% | 10.4% | 0% |
| Oct 28, 2025 | 99.3% | 94.1% | 66.8% | 10.4% | 0% |
| Oct 21, 2025 | 99.3% | 94.1% | 66.8% | 10.4% | 0% |
| Oct 14, 2025 | 99.3% | 94.1% | 70% | 15.9% | 0.6% |
| Oct 7, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 76.9% | 25.1% | 1.5% |
| Sep 30, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 79.2% | 25.1% | 1.5% |
| Sep 23, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 87.4% | 29% | 1.8% |
| Sep 16, 2025 | 100% | 100% | 91% | 34.2% | 1.8% |
Since 2000
Every weekly map of Arizona since January 2000.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- D1 Moderate drought
- D2 Severe drought
- D3 Extreme drought
- D4 Exceptional drought
Year by year
| Year | Worst category | Most in drought | Week of | Weeks with drought |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | D3 Extreme drought | 89.8% | Jul 28 | 37 of 37 |
| 2025 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Aug 12 | 52 of 52 |
| 2024 | D3 Extreme drought | 76.6% | Dec 31 | 53 of 53 |
| 2023 | D3 Extreme drought | 57.2% | Nov 7 | 52 of 52 |
| 2022 | D4 Exceptional drought | 98.5% | Apr 26 | 52 of 52 |
| 2021 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 5 | 52 of 52 |
| 2020 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Sep 15 | 52 of 52 |
| 2019 | D4 Exceptional drought | 85.5% | Sep 17 | 42 of 53 |
| 2018 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 2 | 52 of 52 |
| 2017 | D2 Severe drought | 100% | Dec 19 | 52 of 52 |
| 2016 | D2 Severe drought | 72.3% | Jul 26 | 52 of 52 |
| 2015 | D3 Extreme drought | 82.7% | Jan 6 | 52 of 52 |
| 2014 | D3 Extreme drought | 98.2% | Apr 22 | 52 of 52 |
| 2013 | D4 Exceptional drought | 97.9% | Jan 1 | 53 of 53 |
| 2012 | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | Jun 19 | 52 of 52 |
| 2011 | D4 Exceptional drought | 72.2% | Nov 15 | 52 of 52 |
| 2010 | D3 Extreme drought | 97.3% | Jan 12 | 52 of 52 |
| 2009 | D3 Extreme drought | 97.2% | Nov 24 | 44 of 52 |
| 2008 | D2 Severe drought | 48.7% | Jan 1 | 53 of 53 |
| 2007 | D3 Extreme drought | 90.5% | Mar 20 | 52 of 52 |
| 2006 | D4 Exceptional drought | 97.3% | Jun 6 | 52 of 52 |
| 2005 | D3 Extreme drought | 91.3% | Jan 4 | 52 of 52 |
| 2004 | D4 Exceptional drought | 95.8% | Jan 20 | 52 of 52 |
| 2003 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Jan 7 | 52 of 52 |
| 2002 | D4 Exceptional drought | 100% | Apr 2 | 48 of 53 |
| 2001 | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 of 52 | |
| 2000 | D2 Severe drought | 51.9% | Jun 27 | 36 of 52 |
Drought history since 2000
Some part of Arizona was in drought on 93% of the weekly maps since Jan 4, 2000, and exceptional drought (D4) last reached the state the week of Oct 14, 2025.
- Weeks with some drought
- 1,302 of 1,394 (93%)
- Worst category reached
- D4 Exceptional drought, last the week of Oct 14, 2025
- Most widespread
- 100% in drought, week of Oct 7, 2025
- Longest spell
- 512 weeks, Aug 18, 2009 to Jun 4, 2019
- Current spell
- 369 weeks, since Aug 27, 2019
Counties
Every county in Arizona: the worst category on this week's map, the share of it in drought, and CPC's monthly outlook at its center. Each page has the county's record since 2000.
| County | Worst category | In drought | Change | Monthly outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apache County | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | 0 | Drought remains but improves |
| Cochise County | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 | No drought expected |
| Coconino County | D2 Severe drought | 71.4% | 0 | Drought removal likely |
| Gila County | D2 Severe drought | 89.3% | 0 | Drought removal likely |
| Graham County | D2 Severe drought | 56.9% | 0 | Drought removal likely |
| Greenlee County | D2 Severe drought | 95.8% | 0 | Drought remains but improves |
| La Paz County | D2 Severe drought | 100% | 0 | Drought removal likely |
| Maricopa County | D3 Extreme drought | 100% | 0 | Drought remains but improves |
| Mohave County | D2 Severe drought | 96.5% | 0 | Drought removal likely |
| Navajo County | D2 Severe drought | 87.9% | 0 | Drought removal likely |
| Pima County | D2 Severe drought | 62.3% | 0 | Drought removal likely |
| Pinal County | D3 Extreme drought | 90.7% | 0 | Drought removal likely |
| Santa Cruz County | D0 Abnormally dry | 0% | 0 | No drought expected |
| Yavapai County | D2 Severe drought | 38.6% | 0 | No drought expected |
| Yuma County | D2 Severe drought | 100% | 0 | Drought removal likely |
Outlook
The Climate Prediction Center's monthly drought outlook for Sep 2026, read at the center of each county. Its seasonal outlook runs through December 31; each county page has both.
- Drought removal likely9 counties
- Drought improves3 counties
- No_Drought3 counties
What drought has meant in Arizona
The National Drought Mitigation Center's examples of impacts observed in Arizona at each level of drought.
D0 Abnormally dry
- Fire risk increases
- Forage is limited; soil is dry
D1 Moderate drought
- Plants are stressed; hillsides are unusually brown
- Stock ponds and creeks are nearly dry; some springs are dry
D2 Severe drought
- Fire danger is high; fire crews are mobilizing
- Little forage remains for wildlife; pine trees are losing needles
- Water and feed are inadequate for livestock
D3 Extreme drought
- Fire preparedness increases; fire restrictions are implemented early
- Livestock do not have adequate water; runoff is short; conditions are dusty
- Native plants are stressed
- Ranching operations are affected
- Skiing tourism is low; snowpack is extremely low
- Wildlife encroach on developed areas in search of food and water
D4 Exceptional drought
- Fire restrictions increase; large fires occur year-round
- Lakes, ponds, and streams are dry
- Vegetation green-up is poor; native plants are dying
Drawn from the Drought Impact Reporter and local observers.
This week in the West
The Drought Monitor authors' narrative for the map of Sep 15, 2026, released Sep 17, 2026.
An area from southwestern Oregon to central Washington into northern Idaho and Montana received some welcome rainfall during the week. The rain resulted in regional improvements in drought conditions. One location that just missed out was in northwest Washington on the Canadian border, resulting in a drought degradation, where continued low streamflows were observed. There were also areas on the California-Nevada border and central Arizona with drought degradation that also received little-to-no rainfall. Extreme drought is shown over much of central Oregon, central Utah, southern Idaho down into northern Nevada, and small areas in northern Washington and southern Arizona. Exceptional drought continues in southern Idaho, northern Nevada, and northeastern Oregon.
Looking ahead
Over the next five days leading up to next Tuesday, above normal rainfall is forecast in south Florida as well as a large area in southern Wisconsin and Minnesota into eastern Iowa and northern Illinois. The latter area of forecasted rainfall continues to the east through central Michigan, the southern Great Lakes, Pennsylvania, New York, and much of central and southern New England. Other locations with rainfall in the forecast this week are in the Appalachian Mountains, the western Great Plains, and the Four Corners states. Unfortunately, most of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are forecast to receive little rainfall. Dry conditions are also forecast in California, Nevada, and Washington. Much above normal temperatures are forecast to continue this week in the central and southern U.S.
The 6- to 10-day outlook (September 22-26, 2026) favors above normal temperatures continuing over nearly all of the continental United States. Areas most likely to be above normal are again the south into the southeast, plus the far north. Hawaii is also likely to be above normal. For precipitation, the Eastern Seaboard is likely to have above normal rainfall as is the Southwest. The central U.S. into the upper Midwest is likely to have below normal rainfall. Hawaii and Alaska are both likely to have above normal rain during this period.
Written by Lindsay Johnson, National Drought Mitigation Center; David Mocko, SSAI, NASA/GSFC. The national narrative.
What this means
The five categories the Drought Monitor draws, and how the map is made.
- D0 Abnormally dry
- Going into or coming out of drought.
- D1 Moderate drought
- Some damage to crops and pastures; water shortages developing.
- D2 Severe drought
- Crop or pasture losses likely; water restrictions imposed.
- D3 Extreme drought
- Major crop and pasture losses; widespread water shortages.
- D4 Exceptional drought
- Exceptional and widespread losses; water emergencies.
The US Drought Monitor is drawn every week by authors at the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA and NOAA, who weigh rainfall, soil moisture, streamflow, groundwater, vegetation health and reports from local observers. Each map shows conditions through Tuesday morning and is released on Thursday. It shows where drought is and how bad it is; it does not forecast it. CPC's outlooks do that.
Sources
Statistics and narrative from the US Drought Monitor, courtesy of the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with USDA and NOAA. Outlooks from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center. Impacts from NDMC's State Impacts tool.